Athletics Split Series: Takeaways From Sunday's Grueling Loss

Jun 21, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof (20) hits a double during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

Athletics Split Series: Takeaways From Sunday's Grueling Loss

Originally posted on Oakland Athletics on SI
By Andrew L. Ferguson Jr | Last updated Jun 22, 2026 7:00 AM ET

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The Athletics would split the series vs. the 32-46 Angels in rather depressing fashion.

There is no doubt that the Athletics would miss out on a great opportunity to bolster their overall record above .500 against the Angels. After winning back-to-back games to start the series, the A's would stumble at the finish line, now standing two games below .500 at 38-40. It is clear something has to change.

It's Time To Worry About Elvis Alvarado

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The Athletics bullpen has been rough throughout the series; however, no one expected Alvarado to struggle as much as he has lately. In Sunday's loss, Alvarado would allow two hits, as well as a two-run home run, which gave the Angels the lead in the ninth inning. If we can't trust Alvarado, who can we trust?

With the trade deadline approaching fast, there might be too many holes for the Athletics to fill. Prior to the loss, starting pitching was at the top of the Athletics' to-do list. Now, things have gotten complicated, as the Athletics desperately need help in their bullpen and starting rotation. Either one is a top priority right now.

Zack Gelof and Nick Kurtz Should Stay 1 & 2 in Lineup

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Nick Kurtz and Zack Gelof have been playing out of their minds recently, and it is starting to pay off big time. Not only is Gelof on a 24-game hitting streak, which leads MLB, but Kurtz has homered nine times in June. Just from the stats alone, it should be a no-brainer to keep these two close in the lineup.

In the loss, both players were an offensive bright spot. Kurtz would go 2-of-4, with a walk, a home run, and three RBIs. Gelof would go 2-of-5, with a leadoff single and a double in the fourth inning. On top of that, Gelof would score three times, with two of those runs being driven in by Kurtz. This duo should remain atop the A's lineup permanently.

Luis Medina Needs More Outings

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Luis Medina has been a solid reliever for the Athletics this season, and proved it once again against the Angels. On Sunday, he would pitch a single inning and only allow one hit. In his previous outing against the Pirates on June 17, he pitched three innings, while striking out six batters and allowing one run.

Compared to the rest of the Athletics bullpen, Medina has been great. If you subtract his rough outing vs. the Rockies, in which he gave up six runs in an inning, Medina would be hosting a 2.94 ERA, which is significantly less than the 4.41 ERA he has now. Not bad at all. Hopefully, we see Medina frequently to close out the first half of the season.

This article first appeared on Oakland Athletics on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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